Amidst a sea of black gowns that will fill the Georgia International Convention Center during the Spelman College 2015 Commencement ceremony on May 17, attendees will see a large swath of powder blue tassels hanging proudly from the mortar boards of some of this year’s graduates. The tassels symbolize their participation in the Senior Legacy Giving Campaign, an initiative to create awareness within the senior class about the importance of giving back to Spelman.

With a name that means “a beautiful tree with strong roots,” Banah Ghadbian, C’2015, stands as a proud warrior for social justice whose impact is felt throughout the Spelman College community. A scholar-activist since arriving at Spelman, Ghadbian has brought awareness of global women’s rights, the crises in Syria and Palestine, as well as sexual violence on college campuses. Her passion also shows up around educating individuals about issues of racism and other injustices.

As my tenure as president of Spelman College comes to a close, I am often asked, “What is your legacy?” While that is a question better answered by others, in response, one could point to a new residence hall like the recently named Beverly Daniel Tatum Suites (an honor bestowed by the Board of Trustees for which I am deeply grateful), or the numerous campus renovations that were completed over the last 13 years. One could highlight strategic plans and the milestones of progress, like more students traveling abroad or doing undergraduate research, more faculty positions or resources to support them, or maybe new and unanticipated developments like the Wellness Revolution and a new and improved Read Hall.

When Lindsay Stanford, C’2015, began her academic journey at Spelman College, she knew she wanted to leave an indelible mark upon the world by conducting ground-breaking research that would impact the lives of future generations. As one of 200 students who presented during Spelman’s 2015 Research Day, the biology major is moving closer to her goals and enjoying the rewards bestowed upon those who demonstrate scholarship and research excellence.

The President’s Safety Net Fund, Starfish Initiative Scholarship has literally transformed dreams into a reality for hundreds of Spelman College students. Created in the spring of 2008 to assist students who were negatively affected by the economic downturn, the Starfish Initiative has continued to help students who otherwise would not be able to complete their Spelman education.

As a result of this initiative, Courtnie Mack, C’2015, will be able to graduate with her class on May 17. Mack said that support from the President’s Safety Net Fund and other financial assistance she has received from Spelman throughout her time at the College has afforded her experiences that shewould not have had at any other institution. Read more…

As the campaigns for the next president of the United States begin to coalesce, veteran political strategist Donna Brazile will deliver the keynote address at Spelman’s 128th Commencement. The founder and managing director of Washington, D.C.-based Brazile & Associates LLC, and the first African American to run a presidential campaign, will also receive an honorary degree during the graduation ceremony Sunday, May 17, 2015, at 3 p.m. at the Georgia International Convention Center.

You don’t think of a museum as a typical space to practice yoga, but between Spelman College’s Wellness Revolution and introducing interdisciplinary programming into the Spelman College Museum of Fine Arts’ educational curriculum, Yoga in the Museum has become one of the gallery’s most innovative and engaging programs.

Since 2004, Travis Tatum, Ed.D., has been immersed within the Spelman College community. In the last few weeks he’s been attending numerous celebrations of his wife, Spelman President Beverly Daniel Tatum, who will be retiring in the summer of 2015. As her tenure ends, Dr. Travis Tatum is reflecting on the more than a decade he has spent on campus.

Alumnae from the Class of 1990 showcased their commitment to their alma mater during the 2015 Reunion celebrations at Spelman College. They distinguished themselves by giving the largest Reunion class gift this fiscal year, and having the largest number of donors to the “Every Woman…Every Year!” campaign, an initiative that encourages alumnae to give annually and ensure the College has the resources to fund institutional priorities.

On Sunday, May 17, nearly 500 Spelman College graduates proudly walked across the stage at the Georgia International Convention Center to receive their academic degrees. Political commentator, strategist, academic and author Donna Brazile inspired and motivated the Class of 2015 during the College’s 128th Commencement, delivering an empowering address and encouraging graduates to “seize the moment, celebrate all that you have accomplished, and to find your path and become a leader.” Brazile was also received an honorary doctorate of humane letters.